Pantsula: It is a defiance, a statement to say 'We can outlive poverty'
February 19, 2016 11:35 AM Subscribe
Pantsula is a form of energetic dancing that originated in black townships of South Africa during the Apartheid era, and it's still alive and thriving over 60 years later, pulling in and spinning out influences to other dance styles from around the world. Pantsula dancers show their moves and tell their history and reason for dancing.
Pantsula isn't just a dance, but a way of life in Johannesburg's townships. (NYT) Photographer Chris Saunders spent 6 years documenting Pantsula dancers and groups, young and old, and stunning as those still images are, you really need to see these dancers in action:
Original Pantsula dancers
Pantsula isn't just a dance, but a way of life in Johannesburg's townships. (NYT) Photographer Chris Saunders spent 6 years documenting Pantsula dancers and groups, young and old, and stunning as those still images are, you really need to see these dancers in action:
Original Pantsula dancers
- a group of boys dance during a wedding procession (home video)
- a couple of pro-shot collections of groups from Shakers & Movers (Mada Sthembiso)
- trio dance solo and together to Afro Panico "Matimba" and Afro Panico "Shimbalaya" (music videos)
- Skeleton movers of Soweto perform a more contorted version of Pantsula
- Magic Hats, featuring the dancing of Jabu and JR
- Sons Of Kemet "In The Castle Of My Skin" -- "the best jazz video of (last) year," shot in the Johannesburg township of Tembisa
- Basement Jaxx "What A Difference Your Love Makes" -- shot on location in Joburg’s Alexandra township, it's one of Okay Africa's favorite dance tributes of 2015, and they've laid out of five reasons why it's more than just a flashy dance vid
- Friends Within "The Renegade" -- shot in Soweto, the video follows Pantsula Crew, Shakers and Movers, and the 021 B Boys in a vividly shot showdown of moves
- Skrillex feat. Ragga Twins "Ragga Bomb" -- "Filmed in post-apocalypic Alexandria – the Johannesburg township, the scene captures two rival gangs prepping for battle. Expect everything from sangoma dance rituals, spastic robot pantsula, wikkid bergie wardrobe and a light sabre warehouse showdown"
- Beyoncé "Run the World (Girls)" -- features Tofo Tofo (comparison video), three Mozambican men who integrated Kwaito music and Pantsula dance to create their own unique type of dance
You know what they say: "Dantsula off with your pantsula off" or something like that anyway.
posted by komara at 11:39 AM on February 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by komara at 11:39 AM on February 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
This music video seems to feature an early form of the style, about one minute in.
posted by gehenna_lion at 11:51 AM on February 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by gehenna_lion at 11:51 AM on February 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
Thanks, gehenna_lion! I was looking for earlier examples of the style(s) but failing.
posted by filthy light thief at 11:55 AM on February 19, 2016
posted by filthy light thief at 11:55 AM on February 19, 2016
I Count Pantsula among the most bitingly interesting dances today.
posted by Mr.Encyclopedia at 12:45 PM on February 19, 2016
posted by Mr.Encyclopedia at 12:45 PM on February 19, 2016
*sigh* Guess I'll rename my bloodsucking pants.
posted by univac at 1:00 PM on February 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by univac at 1:00 PM on February 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
filthy light thief, you have made my weekend. Thank you for the shoutout, I do love me some of this pantsula dancing, but we only featured a few links here and there. In your amazing signature style, you have compiled an awesomely deep post with a plethora of riches - this is most delightful, thank you.
posted by madamjujujive at 2:24 PM on February 19, 2016
posted by madamjujujive at 2:24 PM on February 19, 2016
Wow, this dancing is amazing. It reminds me of a lot of things at once. Thanks filthy light thief.
posted by Ms. Moonlight at 5:37 AM on February 20, 2016
posted by Ms. Moonlight at 5:37 AM on February 20, 2016
« Older Spending, Use of Services, Prices, and Health in... | The Vinyl Frontier Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by filthy light thief at 11:37 AM on February 19, 2016